Hair Transplant FAQ

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We all have our own questions that reflect the decisions that we make. This section of our site is designed to give you those answers in a convenient way. We truly believe as an experienced and professional hair transplant institute that our patients should have all the information they require to make an informed and intuitive decision regarding hair restoration treatment.

Below are a list of the most commonly asked questions in addition to what we believe as a responsible healthcare provider: are some of the most important you should be aware of. In the event you have a question that is not listed here, we would encourage you to call us directly on 0330 363 0001 where one of our experienced hair experts will be happy to help. Alternatively use our contact form and we shall endeavor to answer your questions as a matter of priority.

1What is a hair transplant?

A hair transplant is a minor surgical procedure that involves the safe and efficient transfer/relocation of hair producing follicles from a donor area (typically the hair at the back and sides of the head) to a thinning/bald area that concerns the patient i.e. hairline, crown, etc.

A hair transplant is a minor non-invasive surgical procedure that involves the safe removal of hair follicles from an area of abundant hair on the scalp (typically the back and side) and transfer them to a location on the scalp of sparse/nil hair coverage

2How does a hair transplant work?

A hair transplant works by redistributing hair follicles. A hair follicle is a cell that produces a keratin fibre that manifests itself and individual hairs above the surface of the skin/scalp. A hair transplant relocates these hair follicles intact, allowing for them to resume a normal anagen growth cycle in the new location and subsequently when transplanted in there hundreds/thousands eliminate balding/thinning in areas of the scalp.

3Does a hair transplant last forever?

Yes. However, it is important to ensure that a hair transplant is performed correctly and that the donor hair is obtained from the permanent zone. This ensures that the hair follicles retain the dominating factor of being resilient to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone responsible for hair loss.

4Am I a suitable candidate for hair transplant?

Not everybody is suitable for a hair transplant. There are many factors that must be taken into consideration to determine this, to list a few: hair characteristics, extent of hair thinning/loss, size of your head, amount of hair you wish to regain/reclaim, the amount of hair you have to use, etc. The most accurate way to determine your suitability and the options that exist for you specifically is to attend a FREE expert consultation with one of our specialists who can accurately assess your situation and advise you honestly.

5How much will a hair transplant cost?

The cost of a hair transplant varies from one patient to another and is in most cases impossible to determine without a consultation with one of our specialists. To accurately determine the true cost of a hair transplant we first need to determine if this form of treatment is the most appropriate in your circumstance. We then need to assess the extent of your thinning/loss, the size of the area that requires treatment and determine which method of hair transplant is the preferred or most advantageous. Only then will we be able to definitively offer a cost for the treatment. Analogy: You would not expect a carpet fitter to give you a price to supply and fit carpet for your hall, stairs and landing without first needing to measure up. Same principle applies in hair restoration.

6Will a hair transplant procedure hurt?

No. A hair transplant is not a painful procedure. The most discomfort you as a patient should feel is the first few injections of local anaesthetic. Once the initial injections of local anaesthetic take effect all subsequent injections of local anaesthetic and the procedure will be perfectly comfortable. The most you will be aware of is light pressure.

7How soon will I see results of a hair transplant?

A typical hair transplant result begins to emerge at approximately 3-4 months when the hair follicles enter into a new Anagen growth phase. The appearance of thickness and fullness will continue to develop with the final results of the hair transplant being manifested at between 12-18 months.

8What is CQC Registration? and why is it important?

The Care Quality Commission are an independent government body that regulates all healthcare providers both Private and NHS . It is a legal requirement that any company or organisation who provides healthcare in the UK is registered to carry out their registered activity/treatment with the CQC. A provider that is registered with the CQC assures consumer/patient that the service provided and facility that the service is carried out at is to the highest standards. You can validate registration details of a provider by visiting: http://cqc.org.uk and typing the providers name. If the provider is not in the database they are not registered and you should not only avoid but notify the CQC and police of this company/organisation.

9What is GMC Registration?

The General Medical Council are the independent regulator for doctors in the UK. The GMC’s legal purpose is to protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the public by making sure that doctors meet there standards for good medical practice. The GMC do that by controlling entry to the medical register and setting the standards for medical schools and postgraduate education and training. They also determine the principles and values that underpin good medical practice and we take action when those standards are not met. You can check a doctors registration status by visiting http://www.gmc-uk.org. In the event the doctor is not registered you should avoid them and make the GMC aware of hisher illegal activity within the UK by calling 0161 923 6602 and contacting the police.

10What is ISHRS Accreditation?

The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons is an organisation established to represent the leading Hair Transplant Surgeons throughout the world. When seeking a surgeon to perform your hair transplant you should check to see if the surgeon is registered with the ISHRS. If your chosen surgeon is registered you can be assured they are an expert in the field of hair restoration and that you are in safe hands.

11What is Male Pattern Baldness?

Male Pattern Baldness is the thinning of hair on the scalp caused by a genetic deterioration of the cells responsible for producing hair known as hair follicles by the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is for responsible for a process known as follicular miniaturisation that causes the hair follicle to contract/shrink. As the hair follicle miniaturise the hairs produced by the hair follicle begin to thin, the number of hairs produced reduces and eventually the hair follicle ceases to produce hair at all, resulting in baldness.

12 What is FUE (Folliicular Unit Extraction)?

This is one of the two primary hair transplant techniques. It involves the removal of individual hair follicles from the back of your scalp. Once removed the hair follicles are screened under stereo-microscope to check their integrity and then transferred into recipient sites within the area being treated.

13What is Strip Harvesting (FUT)?

This is one of the two primary hair transplant techniques. It involves the safe removal of a narrow strip of tissue that is abundant with hair follicles from the back of your scalp. Once removed the hair follicle rich strip of tissue is dissected under stereo-microscope into individual follicular units and then transferred into recipient sites within the area being treated.

14How soon after a hair transplant can I return to work?

It is possible to return to work as soon as 24 hours after. It greatly depends on the nature of your job and how open you are to people being aware that you have had a hair transplant.

15How soon after a hair transplant will my appearance return to normal?

Typically 7 days. However, it is dependent on the hair transplant technique you have and also how well you as an individual heals, which varies from patient to patient. At FUE Clinics we provide all our patients with a comprehensive after-care pack which is designed to promote the healing phase immediately after the treatment.

16Is it possible to use body hair?

Yes. Hair from any part of the body can be used to perform a hair transplant. However, you should be aware that the characteristics of hair varies depending on it’s location on the body.

17Is it possible to transplant hair to eyebrows?

Yes. At FUE we use the latest in micro-surgical hair transplant techniques and instrumentation which allow us to perform facial hair transplantation to restore partial or entire eyebrows.

18Is it possible to transplant hair to a beard?

Yes. At FUE we use the latest in micro-surgical hair transplant techniques and instrumentation which allow us to perform facial hair transplantation to restore partial or entire beards.

19Is it possible to receive hair from a donor?

No. At this current moment in time it is not viable to use hair from another person regardless of their relation to you i.e. Twin. The body will treat these hair follicles as a foreign body, attack them and ultimately cause them to fail. It may also result in further complications.

20Is it necessary to shave my hair?

No. The current length of your hair, the way you style your hair and the type of hair transplant technique you have will determine whether your hair needs to be shaved for your hair transplant to be performed. The best way to determine this for certain is to arrange a FREE consultation. Following your assessment we shall be able to advise you as to its necessity.

21Do you offer finance options?

Yes. We have partnered with Chrysalis Medical Finance to provide our patients with flexible and affordable payment options. Whether you wish to take advantage of Interest-Free payments or Longer Term Low Payments, we have a plan to suit. Give us a call on 0330 363 0001 to discuss this further or request an application pack.

22How soon after a hair transplant can I resume exercise?

Typically 2-4 weeks. This is subject to the hair transplant technique you have, the size of the procedure you have and the type of physical activity you wish to resume.

23Does Propecia (finasteride) work?

Yes. Propecia is a very successful drug at treating men suffering with Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia) who wish to prevent the progressive deterioration of the hair follicles that produce hair. Hair Thinning in Men is the result of a genetic deterioration of the hair follicles caused by a hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is naturally produced in the body through a chemical reaction between an Enzyme: Alpha5 reductase and the male hormone: Testosterone. In the majority of Men DHT is produced from the reaction between the Enzyme: Alpha5 Reductase Type 2 and Testosterone. Propecia is an Enzyme: Alpha5 Reductase Type 2 inhibitor and suppresses the production of DHT which in turn prevents the deterioration of your hair follicles. Propecia is only effective for men where existing hair is evident and total hair loss has not been achieved. Propecia is also only effective for along as it is consumed.

24Does Avodart (dutasteride) work?

Yes. Avodart is a very successful drug at treating men suffering with Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia) who wish to prevent the progressive deterioration of the hair follicles that produce hair. Hair Thinning in Men is the result of a genetic deterioration of the hair follicles caused by a hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is naturally produced in the body through a chemical reaction between an Enzyme: Alpha5 reductase and the male hormone: Testosterone. In approximately 10% of Men, DHT is produced from the reaction between the Enzyme: Alpha5 Reductase Type 1 and Testosterone. Avodart is a broad spectrum, Enzyme: Alpha5 Reductase Type 1 and Type 2 inhibitor and suppresses the production of DHT which in turn prevents the deterioration of your hair follicles. Avodart is only effective for men where existing hair is evident and total hair loss has not been achieved. Avodart is also only effective for along as it is consumed.

25What is the difference between Avodart and Propecia?

Male Pattern Baldness in men is a genetic deterioration of the hair follicles due to a hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is naturally produced in the body through a chemical reaction between an Enzyme: Alpha5 Reductase and the male hormone: Testosterone. In the majority of Men DHT is produced from the reaction between the Enzyme: Alpha5 reductase Type 2 and Testosterone. However, a small minority of Men’s DHT is associated with a chemical reaction between the Enzyme: Alpha5 Reductase Type 1 and Testosterone. Propecia is only an Enzyme: Alpha5 Reductase Type 2 inhibitor whereas Avodart is a broad spectrum inhibitor of both Enzyme: Alpha5 Reductase Type 1 and Type 2.

26Does FUE hair transplant leave a scar?

Contrary to popular belief and the misrepresentation from sales orientated clinics, Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE as it is commonly referred to does leave a scar. It is important to bear in mind that there is always a risk of scarring when the surface of the skin is broken no matter how small the instrument used.

27Is their hair growth after FUE?

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is simply a method of hair transplantation extraction. Therefore, as with all hair transplant methods, there will be guaranteed growth, as long as the procedure is performed by both a specialist hair transplant surgeon and a team of highly trained technicians.

28Hair replacement vs hair transplant?

Hair replacement is typically referred to a method of concealing hair loss through the use of wigs, which are commonly adhered to the scalp. They can be used as a long-term solution and often prove to most successful with men/women who are unsuitable candidates for hair transplantation surgery due to the advanced nature of their hair loss. Long-term use, however, does come with increased risk of scalp irritation because of the regular use of adhesives. Whereas, with a hair transplant, your own hair is transplanted back into the thinning or balding area(s) and offers a permanent solution with no additional maintenance other than the typical personal hygiene regime.

29Hair transplant vs hair weaving?

Hair weaving essentially means the addition of hair to cover baldness or adding hair to one’s natural hair. The added hair can be human or synthetic and may potentially look unnatural/artificial due to the levels of density that can be achieved. Hair weaving is not a permanent solution as prolonged use can result in skin problems due to the way it adheres to the hair/scalp. Hair weaving requires a lot of maintenance to retain a suitable appearance and can prove costly, long-term. Whereas, with a hair transplant, your own hair is transplanted back into the thinning or balding area(s) and offers a permanent solution with no additional maintenance other than the typical personal hygiene regime.

30FUE vs FUT?

Today FUE and FUT are the 2 most advanced methods of hair restoration to date. FUE involves the removal of hair follicles individually, one at a time. FUT involves the removal of a narrow linear strip of tissue from the back of a patient scalp that is then slithered into individual follicles. At FUE Clinics, we provide our patients with both types of technique from world leading hair restoration surgeons. We have no biassed opinion towards either method, each is amazingly effective at replacing hair. We advise and recommend a particular technique subject to each patient's requirements and overall expectations.

It is important to be aware that both FUE and FUT are hair transplant methods of extraction only. FUE involves removing hair follicles from the donor area, each hair follicle individually. FUT involves removing a narrow linear strip of hair follicle-rich scalp in its entirety and dissecting down to individual follicles. The process of transferring the hair follicles to the recipient area is identical. Myth: FUE is scarless.

32What causes hair loss?

Hair loss can be attributed to many conditions/illnesses. However, the majority of hair loss sufferers will be experiencing Androgenetic Alopecia or Male Pattern Baldness.

33Can I shower after a hair transplant?

You can shower immediately after a hair transplant. However, washing your hair should be avoided for 3-5 days. We would also advise that you avoided getting the transplanted area excessively wet during this time. A shower cap or similar would be recommended as a precaution.

34Is the hair transplant procedure safe?

As long as a hair transplant is performed appropriately by a highly trained and experienced hair surgeon you can rest assured the procedure is completely safe. We implement strict protocols to ensure this as your safety is of paramount importance to us.

35Is there an age limit for hair grafting?

There is no upper age limit to hair grafting. Generally, the main factors that affect suitability are general health and wellbeing in addition to the availability of donor hair.

36How long does a hair transplant take?

The length of time taken to perform a hair transplant is directly proportional to the size of the procedure (number of hair follicles extracted) in addition to the type of hair transplant procedure undertaken. A typical procedure can take anywhere from 3-8 hours with the possibility of consecutive days, subject the amount of hair restoration required.

37Is there more treatment after a hair transplant?

A hair transplant is the only viable option of restoring hair you have lost permanently. It is important to be aware it only replaces what you have lost and does not prevent existing hair that has not thinned or been lost yet. It may be necessary for a patient to consider ongoing preventative treatments to combat this.

38Do hair transplants work?

Absolutely. Fundamentally it is a very simple procedure to relocate hair from one area of the scalp to another. However, it is crucial to have it performed by a hair transplant surgeon with vast amounts of experience. Only then can you be certain of success.

39Are there alternatives to hair transplants?

Like for like, there is no real alternative to hair transplantation. Hair transplant surgery provides you a permanent solution allowing you the luxury of growing, washing and styling your hair without limitations.

40Does wearing a hat or helmet contribute to hair loss?

Absolutely not! This is one of those old wives tales that dates back to men returning home from the world wars. They would go away as young men with thick heads of hair and return years later with thinning hair. Due to the lack of information surrounding hair loss, the common denominator was the helmets they wore and subsequently this was to blame.

41Can hair transplants fail?

Yes! However, it is important to bear in mind this is exceptionally uncommon if performed by an experienced and regulated medical team proficient in hair transplant surgery. The patient of a hair transplant must also accept the responsibility of nurturing the transplanted hair in the immediate weeks following to ensure they do nothing to compromise the result. Full instructions and guidelines are provided to all our patients.

42Does transplanted hair grow?

Absolutely. Although it takes time for the newly transplanted hair to begin an Anagen (growth) cycle, once the hair begins this the results will be continuous. It is typical for this anagen growth cycle to begin anywhere from 2-4 months following a hair transplant procedure.

43Can women have a hair transplant?

Of course! Women’s hair is no different to men’s and can be transplanted the very same way. However, hair loss in women is not always as straight-forward as men’s hair loss and there are more tests that should be performed to determine whether a hair transplant is the most suitable option.

44Are there side effects of hair transplants?

There are no immediate side effects a patient should be concerned about following a hair transplant procedure.

45Will my insurance cover hair transplant?

Typically not! A hair transplant is considered an elective procedure the same as cosmetic surgery. As it is not considered essential it is highly unlikely your health insurance would cover the expense. However, you could ask the question directly of your health insurance provider.

46What should I do before hair transplant surgery?

Prior to hair transplant surgery, you should avoid the consumption of alcohol, aspirin-based medications, heavily spiced foods (chilli, garlic) a minimum of 7 days prior. We would also advise that you refrain from consuming an A-Z multivitamin supplement. Such consumables can have an effect on the coagulation rate of blood. This can present complications both during and post treatment. It is sometimes beneficial to perform certain scalp exercises to improve the scalp condition prior to hair transplant surgery.

47How do I regrow hair?

It is important to first see a hair specialist to determine the root cause of your hair thinning. It is imperative to allow a prognosis to be made so the most relevant treatment can be prescribed to encourage the hair follicle to gain strength to allow it to produce healthy hair and encourage the continuation of growth (Anagen).

48How long do transplanted hairs last?

Hair that is transplanted will not be affected by DHT (dihydrotestosterone) the hormone that originally caused the fallen hair to shed. Therefore, the hair that is transplanted should last forever.

49Is there any long term effects of hair transplants?

Today, there are very few negative long term effects to hair transplantation other than the potential for numbness and indistinguishable scarring at the donor area. It is important to be aware that the major long-term effect to a hair transplant is the elimination of thinning/balding in an area that concerns you. The result of this can be improved confidence, a younger looking appearance and increased happiness and well-being.

50What is the success rate of hair transplant?

The success rate of a hair transplant performed by a specialist hair transplant clinic is 100% guaranteed. However, there is likely to be a small percentage lost on the graft uptake rate of approximately 1-5%.

51What are hair plugs?

Hair plugs can be categorised by a small grouping of hairs or hair follicles. The word hair plug has a poor association with older hair transplant methods pre 90’s that refer to a large grouping of hair follicles that resulted in poor results and dolls hair/plug appearance.

52What causes hair loss in women?

Women can lose hair for a variety of reasons. The most common causes can be Thyroid disorders, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), childbirth, hormonal contraceptives, dieting (vitamin/mineral deficiencies), stress and menopause. Women may also experience hair loss due to Androgenic Alopecia similar to that in men.

53Ways to prevent hair loss?

The most effective ways to prevent hair loss is to begin effective treatment during the early phases and hair thinning. Once hair is lost the only way to restore hair is through hair transplantation. Currently, the most successful forms of treatment to male pattern baldness are Propecia, Avodart, Minoxidil and Revivogen. You should consult a hair restoration specialist to determine if they will be suitable in your specific case.

54Ways to promote hair growth?

Hair growth can be optimised by ensuring you maintain both a healthy diet and lifestyle. The aim should be to ensure you promote circulation and consume sufficient vitamins/minerals and protein. It is also essential to maintain a healthy hormone balance in the body.